`Band, Baja, Baraat’: Meet Kashmiri duo who organize `Made in Heaven’ style weddings in the valley

Firdous Hassan

Srinagar, Oct 29: When Adnan Mohammad Matoo and Basit Mushtaq set up their wedding planning firm “Zool Productions”, they got just four weddings to manage.

It was In 2017 and wedding planner was an alien concept. Only a few well-to-do local families utilized their services. However, the duo did not lose heart.

Come 2022, Kashmir started witnessing a record-breaking flow of tourists, which simultaneously led to the promotion of Kashmir for destination weddings.

This year so far  Adnan and Basit planned more than 25 weddings out of which 12 were the destination wedding of non-Kashmiris.

Kashmir is rapidly emerging as a premier wedding destination in India, fuelling the growth of homegrown wedding planners in the region.

“The wedding industry is now growing in Kashmir. In 2017, we were the sole company in Kashmir and we faced a lot of problems initially. Now, there are scores of wedding planners given the increase in the number of destination weddings in Kashmir,” Adnan said.

The local planners are stepping in to provide customized services that incorporate traditional Kashmiri elements, enhancing the overall wedding experience. 

“We manage every wedding affair. From decoration to managing guest services, we provide various services. Similarly, for destination weddings, we offer tailored services that highlight traditional Kashmiri customs and picturesque venues, catering to the desires of couples seeking unique experiences,” Adnan said.

 Wedding Planners Kashmir is also one such destination wedding firm that has come up in the last two years.

Muneer Ahmad, owner of the firm said the demand for Kashmir has led to the surge in wedding planner firms.

“The landscape in Kashmir provides an ideal setting for any kind of event. People from the rest of the country love holding events such as weddings in Kashmir, especially during autumn and spring season,” he said.

Earlier in March, Prime Minister Narendra Modi promoted destination weddings in Jammu and Kashmir while encouraging people to choose Indian locations like Jammu and Kashmir for their weddings instead of spending money abroad.

Prior to that, the tourism department joined the `India Says I Do Wedding’ campaign to promote Kashmir as a marriage destination akin to Jodhpur and other parts of the country.

Launched by the Union Ministry of Tourism in August, the `India Says I Do Wedding’ campaign is aimed at promoting the country as a marriage destination on a global stage.

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Self-help believer, a gadget lover and nature's admirer. Presently Senior reporter at The Kashmir Monitor with an experience of nine years in reporting business, crime, defense, politics and environment.Have also contributed to reputed media organizations including First Post, India Spend, Forbes India
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